Lucille Elzene Hooper Conliffe was born in Horsehead, Virginia to Arthur F. Hooper and Vera Marietta Basey Hooper on December 5, 1927. She was the eldest of four children, including Geraldine Hooper Jones, Thelma Jean Hooper Campbell, and Ernest Hooper. Arthur Hooper worked as a fisherman on the Chesapeake Bay, and Vera Hooper worked as a housekeeper. Sadly, by the time Lucille was only 10 years old, both of her parents had passed away, and the children were sent to live with other relatives. It was then that Lucille went to live with her mother's sister, Aunt Lovey, in Washington, DC.

In that new city, Lucille attended James Monroe Elementary School, Benjamin Banneker Junior High School, and Dunbar High School, where she met her future husband, Calvin Hughes Conliffe. They both matriculated to Howard University, where Lucille studied Physical Education and excelled as a tennis player. In fact, the famed Scurlock Studio photographed her demonstrating her tennis serve in front of teammates on campus in the late 1940's, and that photo is part of a Title IX exhibit in the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, promoting equal opportunities for female athletes.

On June 5, 1949, Lucille and Calvin were married at St. George's Episcopal Church in Washington, DC. Lucille was confirmed at the Washington National Cathedral and worked at the Pentagon. Calvin graduated from Howard University with a mechanical engineering degree at the top of his class and was recruited by General Electric to design jet engines, beginning a 40-year career that led the young couple to settle in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Lucille and Calvin were the proud parents of three children – Darryl, Adrienne, and Kimberly.  Lucille worked as a fourth grade teacher at Douglass Elementary School. She set high standards and inspired her students to excel. Although her tenure was brief, her influence was impactful such that, decades later, former students still credit her for their success. Lucille was also a consummate homemaker, had impeccable style, and enjoyed entertaining. Home was often filled with family and friends, especially at the holidays, and everyone loved her delicious cooking.

Throughout her life, Lucille found ways to spread cheer, help others, and appreciate beauty. She had a deep, abiding faith and was a devoted member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, where she taught Sunday School. She competed as a powerful tennis player, earning the highest amateur ranking of 5.0 and winning an impressive array of trophies. She also sewed skillfully, had a keen eye for fashion and style, and enjoyed collecting works of art.

Lucille served as President of the Cincinnati Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and earned the highest distinction that can be awarded to a member – Platinum Link. Additional civic and social involvement included membership in the Cincinnati Chapter of Girl Friends Incorporated; Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated; Couple's Club; and Funday Nighters.

In 2003, after 54 years of marriage, Calvin passed away with his beloved Lucille by his side. As a widow, Lucille found love a second time around with Henry "Hank" Lazenby, a widower himself. They wed in 2004 and found great happiness traveling together, doting on grandchildren, and spending time with family until Hank passed away in 2016.

Lucille loved her family dearly. She cherished attending annual family reunions in Virginia and reuniting with her siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles each "Third Sunday" in August – a tradition that has endured for approximately 70 years. Lucille also relished summer vacations in Hilton Head, South Carolina, dining out, and walking on the beach with her children and grandchildren. She was witty, vivacious, inspiring, youthful, compassionate, and kind. She laughed easily, enjoyed life, and won countless hearts, across generations and around the globe.

Lucille passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on July 28, 2024. She is survived by her three children – Darryl Conliffe (Maria) of Farmington Hills, MI, Dr. Adrienne Conliffe James (Lawrence) of Cincinnati, OH, and Kimberly Conliffe Stephens (T. Reed Stephens, Esq.) of Bethesda, MD; seven grandchildren – Aditi Conliffe-Vance (Dr. John Edward Vance, Jr.), Adia Conliffe, Aaron James (Sarah), Brandon James, Esq. (Melissa), Andrew Stephens, Faith Elana Stephens, and Kendall Grace Stephens; five great-grandchildren – Emily James, Allison James, Lucas James, Samuel James, and Christian Goff; two siblings – Jean Hooper Campbell and Ernest Hooper; a brother-in-law; two sisters-in-law; a host of beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews; devoted goddaughters – Dr. Shelley Jefferson Hamler and Jocelyn Dorsey; a cherished fourth grade student and "adopted" son – The Honorable Tyrone K. Yates; and many loving family and friends.

Contributions may be made in memory of Lucille H. Conliffe to any of the following: ●    National Museum of African American History and Culture: https://support.si.edu/site/Donation2?idb=0&df_id=17301&mfc_pref=T&17301.donation=form1&s_src=H0000PWHONMEM&s_subsrc=H0000PWHONMEM ●    American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give?form=FUNELYZXFBW&s_src=25B511AEMG&s_subsrc=fy25_aug_sem_bing_american ●    St. Jude: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sl=donate-now&sc_dcm=58700006946881487&sc_cid=kwp&&&&&ds_rl=1291300&ds_rl=1285465&msclkid=b2e6a59f11081e333a1fc32bf74a1226&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=M